What are the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are part of the country of Ecuador and are situated in the Pacific Ocean about 605 miles (1,000 kilometers) west of northern South America. The islands emerged from the bottom of the sea in the form of astonishing volcanic upheavals. All in all, the archipelago consists of 19 islands and dozens of islets and rocks that dot a vast area of 17,000 square miles (45,000 square kilometers) of ocean. Thanks to a lack of natural predators, wildlife in the Galapagos has no fear of humans, making the islands one of the world’s greatest wonders and an incredibly magical destination to visit.

Galapagos Packing List

Bathing suits + a wetsuit for snorkeling in cold months is recommended (these are available for rent aboard our boats)

Socks

Hat or cap

Toiletry kit (biodegradable products, please)

Plenty of strong sunblock (SPF50 or higher)

Sunglasses

Binoculars

Camera & video recorder

Any important medication you may be taking

Book/Notebook

Chargers for electrical equipment

Emergency contact information

Plug adaptor

Passport

Now you know what you need to travel to the Galapagos.

Contact us and let the journey begin!

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Where are the Galapagos Islands located?

Galapagos Islands Google Maps view

How to get to the Galapagos

First of all, keep in mind that your international flight will need to arrive either in the city of Quito or Guayaquil on the mainland of Ecuador. Both of these cities have daily flights departing in the morning to the Galapagos Islands. Furthermore, there are two major airports in Galapagos: Seymour Airport (located on Baltra Island) and San Cristobal Airport (located on the island of San Cristobal). Remember to double-check where your Galapagos cruise is departing from in order to choose the correct flight. For more information, be sure to read our blog on How to Get to the Galapagos.

What to do in the Galapagos Islands?

Enjoy multiple activities aboard any of our three Galapagos cruises and hotel.

Wildlife Watching

Diving

Snorkeling

Glass-bottom boat

Stargazing

Hiking

Kayaking

Surfing

STOP!

Before you keep reading about the wonderful species and beautiful islands you will find in the archipelago, be sure to check out our

You already know how to get there! Now it’s just a matter of choosing the best possible Galapagos experience!

List of islands, animals, flora, and visitors sites in the Galapagos

Islands

Bartolome

Española

Fernandina

Floreana

Genovesa

Isabela

North Seymur

South Plaza

Rabida

San Cristobal

Santa Cruz

Santa Fe

Santiago

Baltra

Animals

Galapagos Albatross

Blue-Footed Booby

Nazca-Booby

Red-Footed Booby

Flightless Cormorant

American Flamingo

Frigatebirds

Galapagos Hawk

Land Iguana

Marine Iguana

Santa Fe Land Iguana

Galapagos Penguin

Galapagos Sea Lion

Galapagos Fur Seal

Galapagos Giant Tortoise… and plenty more!

Flora

Beach Morning Glory

Black, Red, White and Button Mangrove

Bracken Ferns

Candelabra, Lava and Prickly Pear Cactus

Cutleaf Daisy

Lantana

Leather

Miconia

Mollugo

Palo Santo and Palo Verde

SaltBush

Scalesia

Tiquilia

Tribulus

Top Sites

Post Office Bay

Darwin Lake

Urbina Bay

Charles Darwin Research Station

Bartolome’s Pinnacle Rock

Darwin Bay

Buccaneer Cove

Giant Tortoise Reserve (Cerro Colorado)

Kicker Rock

Española blowhole

Punta Suarez

Punta Pitt

North Seymour

Punta Espinoza

Genovesa Island

Who was Charles Darwin?

It’s widely known that Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution based on the information collected during his time in the Galapagos Islands.

Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking biological theory of evolution changed our perception of the world as we know it. He was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, largely famous for his scientific theory of evolution. It was the genetic diversity of the animals in the Galapagos that lead Charles Darwin to put forth his belief that species were not immutable in his book “On the Origin of the Species.” He called the islands a living laboratory and developed his theories of evolution in the wake of his visit to the Galapagos back in 1835.

Galapagos Weather
The weather is excellent all year round. However, it’s important to know that there are 2 distinct seasons in Galapagos:Hot Season: December until May – Conditions are tropical, temperatures are hot and humid from 26 ºC – 30 ºC (79 ºF – 85 ºF), while the water temperature averages 26 ºC (79 ºF).Dry Season: July to November – Weather is cloudier, cooler, and drier, with air temperatures ranging from 23 ºC – 26 ºC (72 ºF – 79 ºF). Water temperatures range between 20 ºC – 23 ºC (70 ºF – 72 ºF).

Galapagos History
The Galapagos Islands are the result of volcanic activity that occurred around 5 million years ago.
Animal life began to migrate to the archipelago some 2 million years after the initial islands formed. These animals had to adapt to a drastically different environment and climate (compared to their native habitat), leading them to evolve in unique ways. The diversity and surprising characteristics of these animals led Charles Darwin to put forth his theory of evolution in his revolutionary book “The Origin of Species.” He called the islands a living laboratory, and today they have become a monumental site for scientific research and investigation. For more Galapagos history, be sure to check out our Galapagos Information page.

Testimonials

Martin PMistyAshJohanna HElizabeth A

A great way to see the Galpagos
I had an excellent time on Isabela II. The whole cruise was high quality, very well organised and left me feeling that I had got everything possible out of the time available – all in all a very rewarding experience.
Many thanks for a wonderful trip, and thanks too to all the people who made it flow smoothly – I certainly advise anyone heading for this part of the world to use Metropolitan’s services in general, and Isabela II in particular.

A great pick for the Galapagos
Our family of four had a wonderful 6-night Western Itinerary cruise on the La Pinta. From booking (Paulina Garces), to requesting additional cabin housekeeping (Oscar, La Pinta’s manager), to the exceptional naturalists (Carlos’ team) who comprise the soul of the Galápagos trip, to the dining staff (Luis who serves desserts with a grand graceful flourish and sweet Stalin), etc., everything was very well done. I was particularly impressed by how seriously Carlos considered our comments on his staff of naturalists, even following up afterwards to ensure he understood them…

Just perfect!!!
We had booked a 2 weeks tour (mostly private) through Peru including Lima, Cuscu, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon and Arequipa through Trailfinder/U.K., who was cooperating with Metropolitan Touring. We only could congratulate them for their excellent choice of METROPOLITAN TOURING! All their organisation worked phantastically. They had excellent tour guides and drivers. They always were punctual, their drivers were driving safely and their tour guides had great knowledge of the Peruvian culture, history and people…

An Amazing Cruise Journey
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Galapagos Islands with La Pinta Yacht. From waking up to classical music and breakfast , to the guided hikes and snorkel trips, to the wonderful food and great company. Not too large, not too small. And of course the animals were delightful. Thank you!